Franciscan Sister Mary Ann Spanjers reflects on the recent retreat of the Young Adult Group from Old St. Pat’s Parish, Chicago to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Motherhouse, Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
The Church is “One”! The Holy Spirit draws together people we would never be connected if not for our bond in the Church! This experience was manifested in the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and the Young Adult Group from Old St. Pat’s Parish, Chicago, Illinois! Brenda Chavez, director of the Young Adult Group, invited Sister Mary Ann Spanjers, Sister Julie Ann Sheahan and Fr. Joachim Studwell, OFM; to share their Eucharist presentation at Old St. Pat’s in November, 2024. An immediate friendship developed among the Franciscans and the OSP Encounter Group. The fruit of this was experienced by 25 young adults and the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity at the Motherhouse during Palm Sunday weekend. The Sisters hosted Old St. Pat’s young adults for their Lenten retreat. The gratitude of the young adults was clear in their comments.
- “It is so peaceful here.”
- “This is a place of prayer and joy.”
- “Thank you for sharing your home with us.”
Many of the young adults stayed with the Sisters at Chiara Convent, while some of the young women stayed in the Motherhouse. All spent their days at the Motherhouse in St. Francis Chapel, the patio lounge, other comfortable meeting rooms, enjoying meals with the Sisters in the cafeteria and appreciating the beauty of the grounds.
The Sisters were inspired with the friendliness, faith, commitment, respect, energy and prayer of the young adults! We are blessed to share the love of Jesus in our Catholic Church!
